Simultaneous Detection of Dual Nucleic Acids Using a SERS-Based Lateral Flow Assay Biosensor.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are widely used for rapid diagnostics.
• Existing methods often lack the sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities for early disease detection.
• Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers can improve diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel SERS-based LFA biosensor for simultaneous dual DNA detection.
• To enhance the sensitivity and quantitative capabilities of LFAs.
• To validate the platform for detecting specific viral DNA markers.

Main Methods:

• Development of an LFA strip with two test lines and one control line.
• Utilized SERS nano tags conjugated with DNA probes for signal amplification.
• Quantitative analysis based on SERS peak intensities for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and bacillary angiomatosis (BA) DNA.

Main Results:

• Achieved simultaneous detection of dual DNA markers (KSHV and BA).
• Demonstrated high sensitivity with limits of detection at 0.043 pM (KSHV) and 0.074 pM (BA).
• Exhibited approximately 10,000-fold higher sensitivity compared to aggregation-based colorimetric methods.

Conclusions:

• This SERS-based LFA platform enables sensitive simultaneous detection of multiple DNA targets.
• Represents a significant advancement in multiplex DNA sensing for early disease diagnosis.
• Offers a promising tool for developing next-generation diagnostic assays.